Do South American Bumblebee Catfish school?

[Balistik928]

If you keep South American Bumblebee Catfish, you know how reclusive they can be. However, I've heard that they will school and be more active in schools of at least 6-8. Does anyone know if this is true or not? If so, I will be getting a lot more bb catfish soon because of how amazing they look.

 

[Zanzag]

Not more active. Just more sardine like in that they will pile into hiding spots.

 

[fishhead0103666]

Mine huddled together in the cave I provided, does that count? I had over a dozen of them and it didn’t make them more active if I remember correctly.

 

[benzjamin13]

They may be less shy once food is introduced into the tank, but they will still hide...just as a group. However, 6-8 would still not be enough. I find that when it comes to the "minimum," 6 is just...okay. If you want a real schooling fish experience, I'd go with a minimum of 20+

 

[Balistik928]

Not more active. Just more sardine like in that they will pile into hiding spots.

Ok lol

 

[Balistik928]

They may be less shy once food is introduced into the tank, but they will still hide...just as a group. However, 6-8 would still not be enough. I find that when it comes to the "minimum," 6 is just...okay. If you want a real schooling fish experience, I'd go with a minimum of 20+

Wonder how the best way to do that would be. Overpriced but get them all at once, normal price but a few trips, or a really low price, but almost never in stock.

 

[Balistik928]

They may be less shy once food is introduced into the tank, but they will still hide...just as a group. However, 6-8 would still not be enough. I find that when it comes to the "minimum," 6 is just...okay. If you want a real schooling fish experience, I'd go with a minimum of 20+

Would 10-15 be enough for them to be out at least a bit? Just curious

 

[Zanzag]

Id say yes because they will have to go further for food. What helps the most is arranging decor so that you can see inside their hides

 

[Balistik928]

Id say yes because they will have to go further for food. What helps the most is arranging decor so that you can see inside their hides

Yes, but then they find the most invisible unintentional spots you may have made

 

[Zanzag]

True, mine stay in areas where theres direct overhead cover so maybe rock ledges or tunnels, been considering making a cave ststem out of pvc covered in clay.